5 Unique Things to do in Vancouver

As one of Canada’s most diverse, artistic, and scenic cities, it’s no surprise that this city has become a must-visit destination for tourists of all ages. There’s so much to see and do, though, it can be hard knowing where to start. Lucky you, we’ve crunched the numbers and figured out five top attractions you absolutely have to check out. If these picks don’t make you want to start scoping out Vancouver houses for sale, nothing will.

Celebration of Light

Wikimedia Commons by: Stefan Ritt

Canada is a gorgeous country to visit even on normal days, but every July, Vancouver’s annual Celebration of Light takes it a whole new level, filling the night sky with dynamic explosions of color arranged in amazing, ornate patterns.

Since it started three decades ago the Celebration of Light has cemented itself as the single largest offshore fireworks competition in the world. Guests can “ooh” and “ahh” to their hearts’ content as teams from countries as far away as South Africa, Japan, Croatia, India, Australia, Sweden, South Korea, France, China, Brazil, and more try to outdo each other with astounding pyrotechnic displays.

Throw down a picnic blanket and huddle up with someone you love on a warm summer night while the horizon bursts into a constellation of fiery flowers accompanied by booming music. The experience is a one of a kind treat for the eyes, ears, and imagination.

If you really want to feed your head, though…

TEDx Talks

Every year Vancouver hosts the world-famous TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Conference, bringing together the best and brightest minds from every corner of the globe.

While the event’s much-celebrated TED Talks tend to be as expensive as they are exclusive, its TEDx Talks are free and open to the public. There, leading experts in a diverse array of disciplines provide everyday people with illuminating and informative glimpses into a whole new world of possibilities.

Scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists are just some of the speakers you can expect to find making up Vancouver’s yearly TEDx Talks’ eclectic assortment of presentations. Learn something about the world you never knew, peek into the future of science and technology, or discover a completely revolutionary way of thinking about your own life. The sky’s the limit.

And speaking of that bright blue sky…

Sea to Sky Corridor

More than 80% of Canada’s land is beautiful, untouched wilderness. Even a bustling metropolitan city like Vancouver, then, has no shortage of natural sights to see. Indeed, the area is home to one of the country’s most dazzling destinations.

Right outside Vancouver is British Columbia Highway 99, otherwise known as the Sea to Sky Corridor, so named for its jaw-dropping backdrop of sparkling blue ocean waters stretching out all the way to the horizon to meet the clear, sunny sky. The only other sights for miles are wispy white clouds, thick green forests, and towering ancient mountains.

Flickr by:bensonk42

Following the route from Vancouver to Whistler results in a road trip you won’t soon forget, featuring such attractions along the way as the enormous Garibaldi Provincial Park and majestic Shannon Falls (the third highest waterfall in the country), not to mention the highest concentration of bald eagles on the entire continent.

Take a Trip to the Beach

What’s better than getting the chance to spend a day at the beach? Vancouver offers something extremely special to both its residents and those who are just visiting the area. Here, you can easily spend a day strolling around the city, but you also get the chance to relax at the beach without traveling too far.

In Vancouver, you can find plenty of great beaches to add to your itinerary. During the summer, Vancouver’s beaches are the perfect way of getting to do some of your favorite outdoor activities. Even if you go when it’s cooler out, you can take a peaceful walk or bring some blankets and enjoy the scenery. While many of the beaches are popular spots for locals and tourists alike, it’s still easy to relax and enjoy the outdoors at whichever one you go to.

Climb the Grouse Grind

Vancouver is the perfect place for nature lovers to visit. It’s home to some of the best views in North America and many say it’s got some of the best in the world. There are dozens of different ways to spend time outside in Vancouver, but one of the best is hiking the Grouse Grind.

Flickr by: Vitor Pamplona

While you’ll be surrounded by beautiful sights, hiking the Grouse Grind can be a huge challenge. The Grouse Grind is a stair trail going 2.9 kilometers up the side of Grouse Grind. If you’re able to hike this trail, you should absolutely add it to your list when you come to Vancouver.

Fortunately, you can relax once you make it to the top. When you make it all the way up, you can enjoy a restaurant that gives you the best view of Vancouver that you can find. Then, give your legs a break and take a gondola ride back down to the bottom.